HIV & AIDS

Living with a positive HIV diagnosis means focusing on your health in a whole new way. Caring for your body’s needs and your emotional well-being is more important than ever, and is the key to living well with this disease.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (OM) can be powerful allies in staying as healthy as possible and slowing the progression of the disease.

A Western view of HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This virus works by attacking a part of the immune system known as CD4 cells, or T-cells. These white blood cells fight off disease, so if a person’s CD4 count gets too low, the immune system becomes compromised, rendering you susceptible to illness and disease. AIDS, the final stage of HIV, occurs when the body’s immune system becomes so weak and imbalanced that it can no longer fight off illness.

The progression of HIV can take from months to many years, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you are diagnosed. Your medical doctor will work with you to determine the best strategy to slow the progression and relieve your symptoms. This will generally include the use of antiretroviral drugs in various combinations designed to lower the amount of virus in your blood. These are very powerful medications, and they may lead to a wide range of side effects, including:

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems

Dizziness

Fever

Headache

Insomnia

Nausea

Shortness of breath

These side effects can have a major impact on the quality of life, especially when combined with some of the more common symptoms of the virus itself, such as:

Cough

Fatigue

Muscle pain

Night sweats

Peripheral neuropathy

Swollen lymph nodes

Acupuncture can be used as an effective adjunct therapy to help support you and your immune system while receiving traditional Western medicine treatment.

A whole-person approach

It makes sense that acupuncture and OM are one of the most commonly used complementary therapies for HIV. Practiced for thousands of years, OM is a complete medical system known to be especially effective in supporting the immune system, strengthening the body, as well as calming the mind and spirit.

OM tells us that Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. When a powerful external invader such as HIV attacks the body, it causes a severe disharmony and imbalance of Qi. Incorporating acupuncture and OM into your healing process, can serve to address various signs and symptoms associated with the virus and the side-effects of HIV “cocktail” medications.

Your practitioner will work to restore the natural harmony and strengthen your body. Acupuncture and OM offer a holistic, or whole-body, approach to care. This means that your mind, body, and spirit will all be taken into account, not just your symptoms. Practitioners understand that your emotional state is tied to your health, and that it’s critical to tackle the stress, anxiety, and depression that can accompany a diagnosis of HIV.

In addition to acupuncture, your treatment may include the use of herbal remedies. It’s important to discuss these with all of your medical care providers in order to prevent any potential interactions. Other therapies your practitioner may recommend include diet and nutrition counseling, exercise programs and stress relief techniques to support your mind, body, and spirit.

During this challenging time, it’s important to take as much control as you can over your health. By working with a team of medical care providers and incorporating acupuncture and OM into your treatment, you’ll be taking an important step toward regaining balance and living your healthiest possible life.

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Testimonials

Love Cynthia….i have only had 2 sessions thus far & the second session was great…it helped me so much cause she actually listened to my concerns & our plan of care this week helped so much…the week before (my first session) was not as dramatic as i anticipated but think

These treatments have really effected my life in a positive way. Also very enjoyable and relaxing! Thank you! Jennifer C. 7/15/2016

Extremely Effective! was last modified: January 22nd, 2017 by cynthia

I had a wonderful experience and successful outcome at To The Point Healthcare. Cynthia is kind, knowledgeable and proficient. I would not hesitate to recommend her to friends and family. Geri L 11/17/2016

Wonderful Experience was last modified: January 22nd, 2017 by cynthia

The first time I came I had back and heart issues, also poor circulation. So much so I looked like a ghost. Cynthia has brought my color back thru better blood circulation and I feel so much better. Thanks so much Cynthia. James Jones 8/26/2016

After several visits I know I am in the very competent hands of a caring health provider. Cynthia’s approach treats the whole person, which makes so much sense. My sinus and other problems are clearly improved and I am now aware of various ways I can work on improving my

Cynthia is a great listener, which, I believe, to be THE critical issue missing in quality health care. Her ability to listen makes her ability to provide the optimal treatment for your particular issue. Highly recommend! Leah R. 6/2016

I signed up for the acupuncture treatment and I was super satisfied with the results. I was expecting it to be something that would hurt because of the use of needles however, this is not the case I actually enjoy getting treatments. Cynthia is amazing at what she does and

Was a very pleasant experience. Felt a difference after treatments. Would recommend to anybody who has these type of problems. Reggie D 8/19/2015

Shoulder pain – restricted my golf game was last modified: October 28th, 2015 by cynthia

After only one visit, the pain and soreness I’ve been dealing with for over 5 months is remarkably better! Cynthia took as much time as I needed and answered all my questions and concerns. 3/9/2015

After only one visit was last modified: October 28th, 2015 by cynthia

Cynthia’s calming nature put me at ease from the time she began the initial examination through the entire treatment. Explanations were clear and questions were answered expertly. I enjoyed the treatment room as it offered soft music and décor that was relaxing. The sensation of needle insertion was minimal and